Syensqo has been recognised with the Green Tech Award at the Race Tech World Motorsport Symposium for its bio-based MTM 49-3 epoxy prepreg. The distinction acknowledges the development of a new variant, MTM 49-3 e30, formulated with 30% bio-sourced monomers. According to the company, the material maintains the same mechanical strength, glass-transition temperature of 190 °C and processability as its conventional counterpart, while delivering up to 40% weight savings compared with metals. The award highlights ongoing efforts in motorsport composites to integrate bio-based content without altering established performance and processing windows.
Bio-based MTM 49-3 e30 targets unchanged performance
MTM 49-3 e30 is a bio-based variant of Syensqo's existing epoxy prepreg system used in high-performance composite structures. The company reports that the introduction of 30% bio-sourced monomers has not altered the core mechanical properties or the thermal performance of the material, with the glass-transition temperature remaining at 190 °C. Processability parameters are also stated as unchanged in comparison with the standard formulation, which is significant for motorsport applications where cure schedules, handling behaviour and lay-up characteristics are tightly defined.
By combining these characteristics with up to 40% weight savings versus metallic solutions, the prepreg system is positioned for structural components where mass reduction is a primary design target, such as in motorsport chassis and aerodynamic parts. In this context, Syensqo emphasises that the material is intended to offer a route to lower fossil resource use while retaining the performance envelope required in competitive racing.
Commenting on the significance of the award, Gaurav Unni, global sales leader - automotive composites at Syensqo, stated: "This award highlights that true innovation lies in delivering sustainability without compromising on performance. The new MTM 49-3 product variant incorporates bio-based content yet performs to the exacting standards of the motorsport industry, demonstrating that advanced materials can help the racing world move toward lower fossil use while keeping its competitive edge."
On-track validation with Formula 1 application
The bio-based MTM 49-3 epoxy prepreg has undergone on-track validation through a collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The material was used for the rear brake duct wheel shields on the W16 race car at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This application provided a high-load, high-temperature environment for confirming that the bio-based variant could meet operational demands in a live race setting.
The use of MTM 49-3 e30 in this component illustrates its deployment in a thermally and mechanically demanding area of the vehicle, where resistance to elevated temperatures and structural integrity are critical. The example underlines that the shift to bio-based monomer content does not require a change in component design requirements or in service conditions relative to the conventional system, according to the information released by Syensqo.
Gaurav Unni, Global Sales Leader Automotive Composites; Mark Steele, Automotive Customer Engineering Manager; and Mark Harriman, Head of Emerging Markets & Technology R&I, receive the Green Tech Award for Syensqo’s bio-based MTM 49-3.
Green Tech Award and circular-economy objectives
Syensqo indicates that winning the Green Tech Award is consistent with its wider objectives in composite materials development. The company positions the MTM 49-3 e30 project as part of a broader commitment to enabling a circular-economy approach in composites. While specific end-of-life or recycling routes are not detailed, the focus in this case is on incorporating bio-based raw materials to support original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers in working toward carbon-neutrality targets.
The Green Tech Award was presented during a ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in London. The event formed part of the Race Tech World Motorsport Symposium, which brings together stakeholders from across the racing sector, including teams, suppliers and technical experts. The recognition underlines how bio-based resin systems are being evaluated not only in laboratory conditions but also in front-line motorsport environments.
